The former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has also been mentioned. Blair was one of the architects of a permanent president[19] and has been touted for the job as far back as 2002, before the signing of the constitution. Rumours of his appointment have re-emerged since his resignation as Prime Minister, and from British politics, in 2007.[1][20][21]
Gordon Brown, Blair's successor as British Prime Minister, expressed his belief that Blair would make an excellent President.[22] However, he noted it was premature to discuss candidates before the treaty was approved.[19]
In addition, Tony Blair's nomination may be opposed by small states, who believe the large states have enough of their people at the top. Diplomats and leading politicians in a number of states are opposing him.[23] In the European Parliament, Blair faces opposition from the Socialists and some Christian Democrats[24] who have formed a cross-party group against his candidacy.[23] In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel is considered to be opposed to the candidacy, citing her words that the Council President should be "a man of balance"[25] In April 2008, France, Germany and the United Kingdom made a deal that they would not back a candidate opposed by any one of them. Due to opposition from Germany, Blair may be ruled out.[22]
In France, Blair faces opposition from the French Socialist Party,[26] French conservative elder statesmen Valéry Giscard d'Estaing[27] and Édouard Balladur.[28] Other commentators interpreted Sarkozy's public support for Blair as a diversion tactic: according to them, Blair "stands no chance"[29] of being appointed and his failure would have the effect of disqualifying him for other top EU jobs, too.[29][30][31]
A spokesman for Tony Blair has not ruled out Blair accepting the post, saying he was concentrating on his current role in the Middle East[32] Some believe he is unlikely to take the position as it comes with few powers.[19] On 12 January 2008 Blair was invited to attend a rally for Sarkozy's party, the Union for a Popular Movement. There he appeared, according to some commentators, to launch a bid for the Presidency.[26]
Europe is not a question of left or right, but a question of the future or the past, of strength or weakness ... Terrorism, security, immigration, organised crime, energy, the environment, science, biotechnology and higher education. In all these areas, and others, we are much stronger and able to deliver what our citizens expect from us as individual nations if we are part of a strong and united Europe.
—Tony Blair at January 2008 UMP rally, [26]
The following month it was reported that Blair was warming to the idea, so long as the job was not to be dominated by chairing meetings and brokering deals, as formally outlined by the treaty.[19] Reports also said that Blair would take the job only if "it comes with real powers to intervene in defence and trade affairs"[33] Under the treaties, these areas are the prerogatives of the European Commission, Council and High Representative.
Reports from early May indicated that Blair had lost the support of Sarkozy, as well, thus most likely barring him from getting the post[34] even though, in a July 2008 poll, he is the candidate most supported by European businesses to take the role.[35]
However, it was reported early February 2009 that "French leader Nicolas Sarkozy is determined to help him win the post". Alain Minc, a member of Sarkozy's inner circle, said that "we cannot afford not to have Tony Blair, who will be a strong figurehead, is entirely respected around the world and will be a commanding leader at the helm of Europe."[36]
President, of precisely what?
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Originally Posted by justicar5
